Emissions » EnerKnol

Mar282017

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – California Carbon Auction Results Reflect Lingering Market Volatility

Results of California’s February 2017 quarterly carbon auction continue to reflect overall market volatility over the past year, due to the ambiguity over the post-2020 cap-and-trade program and pending litigation over the program’s legality. A resolution of legal uncertainties and clarity over the future direction of the cap-and-trade program will increase market activity as participants perceive greater certainty.

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March 28, 2017

EPA Updates Cross State Air Pollution Rule to Comply with Stricter 2008 Ozone Standard

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update establishing new ozone season NOX emission budgets for electric generating units in 22 eastern states that impair downwind states’ ability to meet the 2008 ozone standard. The rule will be implemented through the existing ozone season NOX trading program starting from the 2017 ozone season (May through September).

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September 21, 2016

Enerknol’s Visual Primer – EPA Updates Cross State Air Pollution Rule to Comply with Stricter 2008 Ozone Standard

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September 21, 2016

California Passes Legislation to Extend Climate Policy Beyond 2020

The California Legislature has passed SB 32, which extends the state’s climate policies through 2030, and its companion bill AB 197, which increases legislative oversight of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The passed measures set the stage for additional requirements to reshape the mix of market and regulatory mechanisms to further renewable energy, building energy efficiency, and vehicle electrification.

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September 7, 2016

California Proposes CPP Compliance Based on Existing Cap-and-Trade Scheme

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued a proposal to comply with the Clean Power Plan (CPP) based on California’s existing cap-and-trade program, together with complementary state policies, such as renewable fuel standards and energy efficiency requirements. The action makes California the first state to forge ahead with CPP implementation efforts despite pending judicial review and adds momentum to integrating existing market-based emissions programs as an efficient way to comply with the CPP.

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August 17, 2016

Enerknol’s Visual Primer – California Proposes CPP Compliance Based on Existing Cap-and-Trade Scheme

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August 17, 2016

Court Stay of Regional Haze Rule Adds to Judicial Scrutiny of EPA Authority

On July 15, 2016 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a stay of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regional haze rule for Texas and Oklahoma pending judicial review. The decision questions the Agency’s ability to claim that regional rules have national scope and adds to the list of pending litigations against EPA regulations, most notably, the Supreme Court’s February action granting a stay of the Clean Power Plan (CPP) which set carbon dioxide regulations for existing fossil fuel-fired power plants. Ongoing litigations highlight increasing judicial scrutiny of EPA regulations due to accusations of overreach and failure to properly consider costs and impacts of proposed or finalized rules.

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August 3, 2016

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Court Stay of Regional Haze Rule Adds to Judicial Scrutiny of EPA Authority

Court stay of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regional haze rule for Texas and Oklahoma highlights the increasing judicial scrutiny of EPA regulations due to accusations of overreach and failure to properly consider costs and impacts of proposed or finalized rules.

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August 3, 2016

Supreme Court Halts Clean Power Plan Over Concerns Of EPA Overreach

The Supreme Court’s unprecedented move to halt the Clean Power Plan is a major setback to a rule that forms the centerpiece of President Obama’s broader plan to address climate change and reflects the Court’s concerns over EPA overreach. State utility regulators now have to carefully decide whether to suspend or pursue compliance planning efforts given uncertainties over the outcome of the judicial review. Climate change, which has traditionally drawn little attention from voters, is likely to become a prominent factor in the 2016 presidential election.

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February 15, 2016

Obama Administration Seeks Safeguards for Energy Reforms

Key Takeaways: President Obama emphasized progress his Administration has made in renewable energy growth and climate action in his 2016 State of the Union address Newly proposed reforms to the federal government’s management of oil and coal resources would impose additional costs to reflect environmental impacts The Obama Administration is determined to safeguard climate policy…

January 18, 2016

Record RGGI Carbon Auction Price Reflects Increasing Market Confidence

Key Takeaways: The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s (RGGI) latest auction sold allowances at a record high price of $7.50 each, reflecting sound market operation Rising allowance prices signify the potential for developing carbon offset projects to meet RGGI emissions reduction requirements RGGI’s power sector-focused program is increasingly recognized for its compatibility with the Environmental Protection…

December 14, 2015

Utilities And Grid Operators Seek Clean Power Plan Compliance Despite Litigation

Key Takeaways: The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan (CPP) has received support from 18 states and the District of Columbia, as well as multiple corporate associations, in recent motions to intervene State air quality regulators are devising their own strategies to avoid subjugation to a federal plan, which could be inconsistent with state abilities…

December 7, 2015

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